LENNON: THROUGH A GLASS ONION – Liverpool

After playing Australia, New York’s Off-Broadway and to great acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe, Lennon: Through A Glass Onion, written and directed by John Waters, comes to Liverpool for a two week run at the Epstein Theatre – and as rightfully site-specific locations go, it doesn’t get much better than this.

In a cross between a play and a juke-box musical, the show itself is simply John Lennon on stage, with Daniel Taylor portraying the man, telling a narrative of key moments in his life, looking back at times gone by. The stories range from childhood through The Beatles to adulthood and fatherhood and of course that day in December 1980 outside the Dakota building.

However, where John Waters and his creative team have done something quite remarkable is to use the night of Lennon’s shooting as a vehicle, taking the audience through a journey of tales and music in an almost twilight-esque space. Nothing is real, with both performers and audience becoming part of a dream like experience. Daniel Taylor not only visually embodies the man, in an iconic denim jacket and t shirt, but at times shows a vulnerability and a side to Lennon that is not so familiar.

The music adds to the show, making it so much more than just a “night with John Lennon”. The set list is vast with Taylor on acoustic guitar and Stewart D’Arrietta on piano and includes classics that both Lennon and Beatles fans are sure to appreciate. When an injection of rock n roll is required, D’Arrietta’s electrifyingly powerful piano work lifts the numbers without the need for electric guitar or bass.

The fact that Lennon’s autobiographical writings, recounted in between the songs, flow so naturally is a credit to John Waters who brings this local legend to life. The script is simply spot on, including having garnered the approval of Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono
Lennon: Through A Glass Onion ends in a way that is haunting, respectful and above all, effective. This is a superb production that pays tribute to the life and music of a remarkable man. If you go are fortunate enough to be in or near Merseyside, go see it. It makes for a memorable night.

Runs until 29th April
Reviewed by Josh Kemp

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Theatre critic Jonathan Baz is London-based but with a coverage that extends far beyond the capital to include regional theatre as well as occasional forays into Europe and the USA. He enjoys reviewing new writing as much as seeing fresh interpretations of well-known plays and musicals. Jonathan also sits on the judging panel of London's Off West End Awards ("the Offies") and has published numerous interviews and features with leading figures in the film and theatre world. Away from the arts, Jonathan is a practising Chartered Accountant with a number of clients in the entertainment industries. He blogs at www.jonathanbaz.com and tweets at @MrJonathanBaz.

Related

Theatre critic Jonathan Baz is London-based but with a coverage that extends far beyond the capital to include regional theatre as well as occasional forays into Europe and the USA. He enjoys reviewing new writing as much as seeing fresh interpretations of well-known plays and musicals. Jonathan also sits on the judging panel of London's Off West End Awards ("the Offies") and has published numerous interviews and features with leading figures in the film and theatre world. Away from the arts, Jonathan is a practising Chartered Accountant with a number of clients in the entertainment industries. He blogs at www.jonathanbaz.com and tweets at @MrJonathanBaz.